Paul Lambert can expect a polite reception when he makes his first appearance at Stoke City since being Stoke City manager.

There seems to be a consensus among supporters that Lambert, who returns as Ipswich Town boss, went about things as best he could in a difficult situation at the bet365 Stadium last season – although Stoke did ultimately still go down.

He isn’t the first to come up against his old fans here and he won’t be the last.

We have been through the archives to recall the last five returnees and the mixed receptions they have received for the roles they played in the Potters’ history.

JOE JORDAN (Stoke City 1993/94 – return on January 18, 1995)

Jordan resigned to pave way for the return of Lou Macari in September 1994 after only five games of the season, ending with three straight defeats and back-to-back 4-0 thrashings.

He mirrored Macari to go back to Bristol City, where he had won promotion in 1990, and was drawn against Stoke in the FA Cup.

Bristol City’s extra-time replay win at the Victoria Ground earned a fourth round money spinner at home to Everton and Jordan, who leapt from his seat when Brian Tinnion sealed the result, said: “I still have a lot of friends here at Stoke and I was made very welcome by the staff and players.”

Macari emerged from the tunnel just seconds before kick-off – and masked his move behind the much larger presence of his assistant, one Joe Jordan – but was still treated to a rare standing ovation from all four corners of the stadium.

He said: “It was a fantastic reception before the game and really appreciated. It made my day.”

Lou Macari is encouraged to take his applause by Stoke City boss Gudjon Thordarson. (Image: SENTINEL)

It was Macari’s first appearance at the Britannia Stadium, having been manager when Stoke played their last game at the Vic in 1997. It looked like he’d be leaving with all three points thanks to Danny Schofield’s first-half opener.

But Peter Thorne popped up in the third minute of injury time – his fourth goal in five games to start the season and in the last minute of his Stoke career before joining Cardiff.

Lou Macari is welcomed back to Stoke City while Huddersfield Town manager in 2001. (Image: SENTINEL)

GARY MEGSON (Stoke City 1999 – return on May 4, 2004)

Division One: Stoke 4, West Brom 1

Megson was the unfortunate casualty when the Icelandic consortium took over Stoke in 1999 and placed their own man in the hot seat. When he returned nearly five years later he had just guided West Brom to a second promotion to the Premier League.

It was a re-arranged game after the only Stoke match ever postponed at the Brit – due to high winds – and he brought back fellow Stoke old boy James O’Connor in his midfield.

Gary Megson returns to Stoke City as West Bromwich Albion manager in 2004. (Image: Staffordshire Sentinel)

“Stoke is an excellent club and Tony (Pulis) and his staff have done an excellent job there,” he said, before receiving a prolonged applause as he made his way out of the tunnel.

“It was as generous as it was pointed in its implied criticism of the Icelandics’ decision to boot him out,” wrote Stoke historian and Sentinel columnist Simon Lowe. “Furthermore I can now actually say I was there when the bullish, ultra-professional Gary Megson actually blushed.”

Darel Russell celebrates his goal with Stoke City teammates during a 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion in 2004. (Image: Staffordshire Sentinel .)

STEVE COTTERILL (Stoke City 2002 – return on January 3, 2005)

Championship: Stoke 0, Burnley 1

O’Connor joined another manager making his first return when he walked out for Cotterill, who was predictably jeered and abused from the moment he emerged in public. He had only been Stoke manager for 13 games, spouting about loyalty before quitting to be Howard Wilkinson’s number two at Sunderland.

Even O’Connor, a fearless ball of energy in his Stoke days, wasn’t saved from overspill anger.

The irony wasn’t lost early in the game when he leapt from the bench shortly after the Boothen End had burst into a rendition of, “Stand up if you hate Cotterill.”

Steve Cotterill is given a welcome back to remember by Stoke City fans. (Image: Staffordshire Sentinel)

Steve Cotterill is greeted by a wall of noise back at Stoke City with Burnley. (Image: Staffordshire Sentinel)

The problem was that he won thanks to a scrappy goal from loanee Gary Cahill.

“It was a hot reception,” he said. “Fully expected? Yes, probably, but I don’t blame them for it. There’s certain other people who could account for that and are responsible (for his decision to leave) but I have chosen to keep a dignified silence.”

Steve Cotterill's Burnley team beat Stoke City 1-0 on his return to the Britannia Stadium. (Image: Staffordshire Sentinel)

TONY PULIS (Stoke City 2002-05, 2007-13 – return on February 14, 2006 and August 29, 2015)

Championship: Stoke 0 Plymouth 0

Pulis pointed the finger at silent assassin Magnus Kristinsson for his controversial sacking eight months previously. “Only time will tell whether they have got it right or wrong.”

A goalless draw – who’d have thought it? – made it nine games without a win for Johan Boskamp, who bemoaned Plymouth playing “nine or 10 players behind the ball” – but the capped crusader appreciated his welcome.

Pulis said: "It was a fantastic reception. I was pleased. You are always a bit worried when you go back to one of your former clubs and the welcome was very much appreciated. Unfortunately it wasn't a fantastic match but the conditions weren't the best.”

Tony Pulis returns to Stoke City as Plymouth Argyle manager in 2006, holding Johan Boskamp's side to a 0-0 draw. (Image: Staffordshire Sentinel)

Premier League: Stoke 0 West Brom 1

Pulis was greeted with a hearty standing ovation – but two red cards and a fair bit of theatrics on the pitch and on the sidelines later, Stoke fans were bursting into a chorus of, “How do you watch this every week?”

Albion’s timid approach at 11v11 barely got more adventurous at 11v9 but Salomon Rondon nodded home Rickie Lambert’s cross for the only goal.